The market, which consisted of a series of shops around a central quadrangle was finally completed in 1900, and had sections for meat, flowers and food items, but was particularly popular for curios including antiques, art, books and pets.

[1][2] The Indian Railways, needing land to expand the congested M.G.R Chennai Central station, tried unsuccessfully to take over the market.

The demolition of the market and People's Park is considered to mark the beginning of heritage activism in the city.

Built in 1986 at a cost of ₹ 66 million, the shopping complex lies mostly vacant due to poor patronage.

[4] The majority of the traders continue to live on the streets to this day, hawking used mechanical and electronic goods.